Best Disneyland Nightlife

AOL PICK from our Editors

At Disneyland Resort, the term "nightlife" takes on a different meaning. You won't find sweaty nightclubs filled with scantily clad party goers. But you will find family-friendly evening activities that everyone can enjoy along with world-class light and fireworks shows and several adult-oriented restaurants and bars. Here are our picks for the best Disneyland nightlife.

Just when you think Disney can't do any better, they go and create something like Disney's World of Color. This nighttime water extravaganza combines fountains, lasers, fire, imagery and awe-inspiring music to create a thrilling evening experience. The show takes places outside at Disney California Adventure near Paradise Bay. (If you stand near the front of the viewing area, you might get wet.) To get the best seat, grab a FASTPASS that morning from the World of Color FASTPASS machines near Grizzly River Run inside California Adventure. One person in your party can get them for everyone. The FASTPASS will provide a show time, viewing section and return time. If you don’t get a FASTPASS you can watch the show from other areas around Paradise Pier. World of Color runs several times each night, and lasts about 25 minutes.

If you're in the mood for a laid-back evening with good wine and friends, the Uva Bar and Café next to Catal Restaurant in Downtown Disney is a nice option and offers indoor and outdoor seating. The large circular bar features some 40 wines by the glass, a full liquor bar plus savory tapas and daily happy hour specials. As usual with sit-down Disney restaurants, reservations are suggested or you'll face a painfully long wait.

Disney's nightly fireworks displays are part of the Disneyland magic. These are not your usual small town Fourth of July fireworks, mind you. The iconic fireworks shows are grand, spectacular events with a storyline featuring your favorite Disney characters and timed to an inspiring musical score—and the combination is mesmerizing. The show changes throughout the year, depending on the season, and there are special shows on the holidays. Check the daily schedule for show times. The best viewing areas can be found in front of It's a Small World, along Main Street, U.S.A. between Central Plaza and the Main Street Train Station, and along the Rivers of America in Frontierland.

Disney has brought a little bit of the Big Easy to California at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. The cuisine is definitely southern—Cajun favorites like Gulf seafood, gumbo, jambalaya, po' boys and bread pudding, and the music is straight from Louisiana. You can hear live jazz almost every night. The restaurant has a festive, party-like atmosphere, and it’s a good place to unwind after a long day at the parks. Reservations are needed, and can be made on the Disney Restaurant hotline.

The Lounge at Steakhouse 55 is a perfect place for kicking back with a small snack and a beer or nice glass of wine. Tucked between Goofy's Kitchen and Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel, the Lounge offers sandwiches and pizzettas alongside a good-sized wine,beer and spirits list. The food is a bit overpriced (this is Disneyland, after all) but the drink prices are fairly consistent with the region.